For senior Zaire Ramiz, long days, late rehearsals, and diligent practice are not uncommon. Just this fall season, he’s performing in both the Fall Musical and the Choreographer’s Showcase, letting no artistic opportunity pass him by. “I’ve always had a natural love for music,” he said. “Music is the most healing thing for me. It’s the easiest way for me to express and understand my own emotions and the emotions of others.”
Zaire learned how to play the piano early in his childhood and picked up the guitar not long after. “I started playing jazz guitar, and now that’s the main thing I play,” he said. He added that in addition to that, he’s always been a singer. In elementary school, he experimented with the French horn, percussion, and choir. “I’ve been surrounded by music my entire life, and it’s something I love to do,” he said. “It’s something that I find a lot of joy and happiness and comfort in.”
During his freshman year at KO, Zaire joined band but ultimately had to quit since it coincided with choir, which he’s been involved in for four years now. “I’ve done the musical all four years, which has involved a lot of music and helped me a lot with learning how to read music and singing,” he mentioned. “I’m now at the point where I’m applying to college to major in musical theater, so it’s really exciting.”
Zaire has been an integral member of the musical cast, earning the Dance Molinari Scholarship for his performance in the 2024 Winter Musical “A Chorus Line.” “There’s so many adults who have helped with my musical knowledge,” he said. “Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Mitchell, and Mr. Baker are amazing. The three of them are the core of my musical education here at KO.”
The theater department is gearing up for this year’s fall musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” with performances on Thursday, Nov. 7, and Friday, Nov. 8. “It’s a really special and fun show that I think the community will absolutely love,” Zaire said. “The cast is certainly having a lot of fun and we’re eager to share with everyone.”
There is no doubt that Zaire plans to pursue music seriously in the future. “I would love to one day soon start releasing my original music,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to learning how to record, produce, and publish my songs.” He noted that he currently takes inspiration from Beyoncé, Charli XCX, and Billie Eilish.
Zaire shared some advice he would have given to his younger self – and to anyone interested in music. “Keep writing music because you will fall further in love with the art of songwriting,” he stated. “I would also say don’t forget your piano skills; you’ll wish you remembered more.”
We wish Zaire the best of luck in the “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the Choreographer Showcase, and the winter musical!
